The Robert Griffin III who led the Washington Redskins to their 38-31 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday looked a lot like the RG3 who feasted on opponents at nearby Baylor University a year ago. Now that the Redskins' offense is healthy and hitting on all cylinders, it's a lot harder to tell Griffin the NFL rookie from the one who dazzled en route to to the Heisman Trophy.

Griffin (20-of-28, 311 yards passing, four touchdowns, one interception, 29 yards rushing) spoiled the holiday for his hosts with an impressive return to north Texas. In the process, he beat Cowboys counterpart Tony Romo (37-of-62, 441 yards, three TDs, two INTs), a passer who is used to owning Thanksgiving.

What's scary is that Griffin's numbers weren't as dominant as what they were (14-of-15, 200 yards passing, four TDs, no INTs, 84 yards rushing) when he beat another NFC East rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, in Week 11.

So much for hitting the proverbial rookie wall in November. Less than three weeks ago, that looked like the case for Griffin while he struggled during a three-game losing streak before the Redskins' Week 10 bye. But with his full cadre of speedy, quick wide receivers, Griffin has found a whole new groove in a Washington offense tailored to his talents.

So much for relying on the read option and his own track-star speed to help raise his effectiveness. When Griffin made his initial splash in September, he was getting by as a dual-threat quarterback, where running was just as important to his efficiency as his passing.

Credit Redskins coach Mike Shanahan and his son Kyle, their offensive coordinator, for taking Griffin to the next stage of his development in the same year without worrying a bit about his inexperience. Washington traded up to No. 2 overall to draft Griffin for his arm and accuracy as a passer more than what he can do as runner because it's been proved the latter isn't what leads to sustained success as a quarterback.

With his No. 1 wide receiver, Pierre Garcon, fighting through a foot injury in order to return to action, Griffin has a full supporting cast to help him produce his recent amazing results. It's a sign of maturity that's he's patient and willing to spread the ball around—Garcon (five catches for 93 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown) led a group of eight pass-catchers, including three others who also found the end zone.

Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan had an aggressive game plan, in which he constantly brought heat on Griffin. No one will call Dallas' four sacks a positive, when on most of Griffin's drops he was able to elude the pass rush and find open receivers streaking downfield against single and, on a few occasions, no coverage.

Griffin wasn't rattled one bit by his biggest national stage of the season, or the fact he was stepping into the heated Redskins-Cowboys rivalry for the first time, on the road, in a month when it's been difficult for anyone to beat Romo.

The Redskins are 5-6 and, because of their defensive woes, won't be a NFC playoff team. But in knocking the Eagles and Cowboys out of wild-card contention in the process, the Redskins proved they have someone who can finally give them a quarterback edge in the division.

With Griffin exceeding expectation in reviving their offense, they know they know they aren't far from the championship level for which they've longed.